Chapter 35 Consequences

  Ian stood over the stone altar of the newly captured camp at Atman's Point, a mild scowl in his face as he stewed on the revelation Pete had told him before Gaeric had taken the defeated enemy back to where the main group of trainers had gathered.

  Ian tried to get his mind off the troubling thoughts and turned to the altar, which he now realized seemed to be aimed toward the Mahiki Bay's biggest island, Momi Island. Momi being Alolan for "Pearl." Ian took a closer look at the altar, noticing some rudimentary characters he didn't recognize at first glance had been carved into the stone. Ian squinted his eyes, looking back out to the sea and saw a small boat moving slowly in the distance, at least a mile out now. What's left of the defenders.

  "Ian!" Plumeria's voice called out wearily.

  Ian turned to face the squad leader, who walked gingerly, her resting scowl face looking even more tense with soreness and pain. "What's up Plumeria?"

  "So that's the boat?" Plumeria asked, her eyes focused on the sea.

  "Apparently," Ian said.

  "So they didn't go from here?" Plumeria asked.

  "No," Ian said. I would've seen them earlier if they had. "How could they have launched from here anyways? No ladder or rope to get down the cliff."

  Plumeria shook her head. "It's all cliffs on Cape Pupuhi. I bet they just jumped in the water and swam to their little boat. But you can't do that here because of the Huntail and Gorebyss in the bay."

  "Really?" Ian asked.

  Plumeria nodded. "It's the 'Pearl Isle' out there, so there are lots of Clamperl in the bay-" Plumeria gasped as she suddenly fell, with Ian reacting instinctively to catch her, helping the unsteady squad leader back to standing up straight. "Shit, sorry Ian."

  Ian shook his head. "That Earthquake was gnarly. It did one shot Pyroar after all. I'm still sore from the weak ass Magnitude I took earlier in the fight." Ian's sincere gaze met Plumeria's amber eyes and his chest tightened. There was the slightest look of vulnerability in her eyes, something Ian hadn't seen since their dramatic conversation at Palmer's Ranch. Ian felt his cheeks warming up and broke eye contact.

  "Well, thanks anyways," Plumeria said, releasing her grip on his arm as she balanced independently.

  "Oi, Big Sis!" Stompz called out as he approached. "This seems like the perfect lookout spot for the radio network."

  Plumeria nodded wearily. "Yeah…"

  Ian picked up that Plumeria still wasn't feeling quite well as she shifted most of her weight to one of her feet. She realized he'd noticed and grunted with frustration. Ian smirked back. "Sit down for a little bit," Ian whispered. Plumeria glared at him but relented, signaling him to help her down.

  "We got binoculars back in Po Town, right?" Stompz asked in his Galarian accent.

  "I know we've got a couple. I've seen Mina with them from time to time," Ian said as he helped Plumeria down, trying not to overthink about his hand being on her hips or how much blood was rushing to his cheeks, but simultaneously grateful the Chesto Berry powder he'd spread across his face likely obscured his blushing.

  "And this stone table thing seems like a bloody good spot to put the radio," Stompz observed, pointing to the stone altar.

  "We shouldn't touch that," Plumeria said without her usual snark. "It's so old it might be something Tapu Bulu views as sacred. Best not piss it off."

  Stompz shrugged. "If you say so Big Sis."

  Ian tittered lightly as Stompz stepped away from Ian and Plumeria.

  "Well at least you're not scowling like you were before," Plumeria observed. "What changed?"

  Ian shook his head. "Well, it's kinda funny that Stompz is older than you and he calls you Big Sis anyways."

  Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Comes with the job." Plumeria paused, seemingly waiting for Ian to say something before she opened her mouth once more. "So what was bothering you before that?"

  "What?" Ian said, hoping she wasn't seeing his likely even redder cheeks underneath the purple Chesto Berry powder.

  "You were a damn hero twenty minutes ago after you and Sawsbuck took that Feraligatr down, and now you're looking as stunned as you did when Colress said that weird stuff to you at Palmer's Ranch."

  Ian grimaced. Am I really so easy to read?

  "It's clearly bothering you," Plumeria said, her words prodding intrusively enough to be taken seriously but not overly forceful.

  Ian made sure no one was within earshot and crouched down next to his seated squad leader. "Pete said Driftwood put a bounty on me."

  Plumeria's eyebrows rose. "Really?" She whispered.

  "He had no idea who I was until Sawsbuck came out, then he said something like 'you're him,'" Ian explained. "Apparently Neroli initially proposed something for like fifty thousand but Sinclair rejected it. She immediately doubled it and he took it."

  Plumeria grimaced. "Driftwood? But that doesn't make any sense. You said they paid Grimsley's marker so he'd train you… And now they want to kill you?"

  Ian sighed uncertainly. "He said 'bounty.'"

  Plumeria shook her head. "It makes sense Sinclair's people would want to capture you since you're basically an infinite food source. But for Driftwood to do it?" Plumeria thought aloud. "They didn't know you had Tyrunt, Sandslash, Pyroar, right?"

  Ian nodded.

  "They might be trying to get us to not fuck with Driftwood anymore," Plumeria concluded.

  Ian grimaced. The logic's sound, but when it's my life hanging in the balance, sound logic isn't gonna put my fears to rest.

  "Obviously you're pretty spooked, and I get it," Plumeria said. "But something's not adding up. So here's what we do…" Plumeria paused. "Don't say anything about this to anyone, and I'll talk to Guzma when we're back in Po Town. He'll likely take you out of any operations that don't expressly need you until then. We should be able to get a meeting with Driftwood and see if they're suspicious about you. That okay?"

  "Prolly the best we can do in this situation," Ian said. "Any advice for how to handle Grimsley when I see him next?"

  Plumeria scowled. "If he wanted to he could've done this a while ago, but something tells me he's not in on it." Plumeria grunted in frustration. "Dammit Ian, everything gets so complicated with you."

  "Yeah, imagine actually being me," Ian fired back light-heartedly.

  Plumeria smirked. "Only if I became a masochist."

  Ian rolled his eyes, but cracked a smile.

  "Alright, help me up here. I want to get back to Fort Acuity," Plumeria ordered.

  ***

  After confirming Sinclair's forces no longer had a presence on the cape, it was a slow return to Fort Acuity for the Team Skull squad, lasting into the late afternoon of the day. Stompz had left a couple trainers back to watch the bay from Atman's Point, while Ian and Rapp were the only trainers on Plumeria's squad not shaken up from the bout with Pete's Feraligatr. The procession was met with exuberant cheers from the Pearl Clan residents of Fort Acuity, and Ian spotted the lone Team Skull member, Lex, the head of the border guard and de-facto "officer in the field" for the radio network.

  "The hell happened to you guys?" Lex said, quickly slotting into the informal procession that approached the largest teepee-like structure at the center of the settlement.

  "Took a close range Earthquake," Ian answered.

  Lex cringed as she looked over Plumeria and Tupp. "Ouch… Well, good news is the Pearl Clan harvesters came back early today," Lex said, changing the subject. "Grillz showed them how much he appreciates their hard work by giving them a few bottles of his special Leppa Berry Moonshine. So party for the victors!"

  Plumeria sighed. "And I thought Gaeric was bad enough at hitting on me when he was sober."

  "Hold up, the shirtless buff guy was hitting on you?" Lex asked in surprise.

  Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately yes. Since Ian here said no to a diplomatic marriage with Irida, buff guy's trying to make it happen with me instead."

  Lex giggled mischievously. "What, was he too manly for you?"

  "Hardly," Plumeria said dismissively. "It almost sounds like you're interested in him."

  "I might be," the blonde Team Skull squad leader said playfully. "I didn't want to get in your way. I figured since you put up with so many dumb guys in Team Skull, he must be your type."

  Plumeria scoffed. "Quite the opposite, actually. But just know, he's trying to get married ASAP."

  "That means I get first shot at that man-meat before the other Skull girls. Lucky me," Lex teased, sticking her tongue out.

  "Yeah you're a lucky one alright," Ian began. "You should ask him about his 'tireless virility.'"

  "'Viritlity?' The fuck is that?" Lex said, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.

  Plumeria tittered. "Oh, you'll find out you lucky girl."

  "Aw, you two are so cute when you gang up and play matchmaker. Next time you play this little game, you should match yourselves up." Lex turned around sassily, giving Ian and Plumeria a peace sign, leaving Ian in stunned silence.

  "Ian, I know you're spoken for," Plumeria said.

  "Yeah and you're my boss," Ian said, feeling his heart tensing a little too much for his liking. He wasn't sure if it was the guilt, the nerves, or that he was doing everything in his power to keep himself from looking over to her. "And I'd be drinking my own food through a straw for the next month."

  "You're right about that," Plumeria said with a certain pride in her voice. "But anyways, between her and Hyde, one of them has to work out, right?"

  Ian smiled sheepishly. "I certainly hope so."

  It didn't take long for a joyous mood to overtake most of Fort Acuity, and Lian in his signature hat found Ian and Plumeria and watched the burgeoning celebration begin to form. As Gaeric and Irida began organizing festivities, Ian noticed Hyde getting pulled away from Rapp and Selene and taken to a small platform that most of the crowd faced.

  "Looks like lover-boy's gonna be the star of tonight," Plumeria observed.

  Ian shrugged. "If it gets Irida off my back for good, he can take all of the credit for today."

  Lian chuckled just loudly enough for Ian to hear him, and Lian shook his head as he saw Hyde's clueless self being placed directly next to Irida in front of the group. "Oh he's going to take the victory shot with Irida," Lian observed.

  "What's that?" Ian asked.

  "It goes to the bravest warrior of the battle," Lian said. "I heard he didn't exactly do much. Was I misinformed?"

  Plumeria grunted. "You weren't, but don't say anything."

  Gaeric's voice bellowed loudly, moving his arms to signal the boisterous crowd to quiet down.

  "Thank you, Gaeric," Irida said dutifully before turning to address the Pearl Clan, a leader's poise in her tone. "Good evening to all members of the Pearl Clan, and our brothers in arms, Team Skull. Today our two peoples won a hard fought victory, and only minimal injuries were suffered!"

  The crowd roared in approval, with Ian and Plumeria clapping along.

  "This was but an early step in our alliance, but our two sides defended each other, bled with each other, and won victory together," Irida explained, taking Hyde's hand. "Hyde of Team Skull distinguished himself by coming to the aid of Pearl Clan warriors when they were about to be overwhelmed by the enemy. In recognition of such an act of selflessness and valor, he shall take the ritualistic Victory Shot with me." Irida then showcased a clear, likely plastic cup up to the roaring crowd. Hyde nervously held up his own, Ian suppressing the want to viscerally cringe at Hyde's awkwardness. He's probably not used to being celebrated like this…

  Gaeric held a waterskin to Irida's cup, pouring it until it was almost a third full. "That's a heck of a shot," Ian observed.

  "That's just water," Lian said.

  Palina was in charge of pouring liquid into Hyde's glass, and Ian watched closely as she poured the pink-ish liquid contents from a glass bottle into Hyde's plastic cup that looked rather familiar.

  "Oh shit," Plumeria cursed.

  "What?" Ian asked.

  "That's the Leppa Berry Moonshine," Plumeria said in frustration. "Do you know how strong that is?"

  "No clue," Ian answered. That night Tupp got rejected by Selene and we killed a bottle, I don't exactly remember much.

  "It's like fifty-five percent alcohol," Plumeria said.

  Fifty-five percent alcohol? I assume that's strong… Ian thought back to what the liquor percentages on the booze he'd been able to drink at house parties, finding the details had become increasingly hard to recall. In my defense, I have been in the Pokemon world for a month and half now. Suddenly he felt nauseous as the image of a bottle with the numbers "101" displayed on the label with a turkey on it and he remembered the first time he'd ever gotten a truly bad hangover. One hundred and one proof, so it was like fifty percent alcohol… And the moonshine's even stronger? "Oh shit is right. When's the last time he ate?"

  "Not since Po Town," Plumeria said damningly.

  "Oh he's gonna be drunk."

  "And he's not much of a drinker," Plumeria said.

  Ian watched in horror as Hyde lifted his plastic cup filled with at least two and a half shots in it and held up the pink-ish liquid and cheers'd Irida before shooting the mouthful of potent liquor. Hyde clutched his stomach as he froze up, the liquor still in his mouth. He took one gulp which made his body recoil, and then a second one which made him gag, but the liquor stayed down. Ian and Plumeria's eyes met, both afraid of what was about to happen.

  The festivities began in short order, with Palina and Gaeric divvying out sips of Leppa Berry Moonshine, Gaeric having switched out the waterskin once he'd served Irida. As Ian watched Palina give Tupp, Rapp, and Selene what was at least a double shot of moonshine each, he got a sinking feeling in his now slightly hungry stomach. "This is gonna be a complete shitshow of a night, isn't it?"

  Plumeria nodded as Gaeric and Palina locked eyes on the duo, approaching with a bottle of moonshine each. "Yeah…"

  Palina held out the plastic cup Ian had seen a number of other people take shots from and cringed. I don't want to know how many germs are on that thing. "Okay, time for the real heroes of the day," Palina said.

  "On behalf of the Pearl Clan, I apologize for your snubbing, Ian," Gaeric said. "I have already spoken to many members and they know of your tremendous deeds on the field of battle."

  Ian held his ends up defensively. "It's fine Gaeric, Irida's trying to advertise Hyde to the clan, I'm not mad at all."

  A cruel smile came across Palina's face. "I do not think he will be a candidate for Irida's hand for much longer."

  "What? Why?" Ian asked.

  "That spiteful little man is an angry drunk," Palina said. "His candidacy will die by the end of the night."

  Ian searched the crowd of dozens for Hyde, finding him after a little bit of searching, following Irida around, already a bit of uncertainty in his step. Dammit.

  "Now drink up, 'Prince of Po Town," Palina said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

  Ian made quick eye contact with Plumeria, as if they understood they'd both be looking out for each other without needing to say anything. Damn, we really ARE in sync. Ian took a deep breath and promptly opened his mouth, ingesting the foul tasting liquor in two gulps, proud he didn't gag as the burn made its way down his throat.

  Ian gave a reluctant smile as he wished he'd had a chaser for the double shot. Next to him, Plumeria cleared her throat but managed to hold the shot of moonshine down as well.

  "Hey muscle dude, why don't you take a drink first?" Lex's voice called out as she approached, walking to the group of five like a model on a runway.

  "Excuse me?" Gaeric asked, uncertain if he was being addressed by Lex's words.

  "It's rude to pressure a shot on a lady," Lex accused.

  Gaeric gasped. "Lady Plumeria, my sincerest apologies for the offense. I am simply trying to honor my clan's tradition of battlefield victory, I intended-"

  Plumeria waved off Gaeric, and Lex took a step in between them. For all the shit Lex gives Plumeria, she's also incredibly defensive. Not that Plumeria needs it of course, and Gaeric isn't trying to be a pushy creep here, but it's the thought that counts…

  "Then how about you do double what she just did to make up for it?" Lex demanded. "Or else you're a giant pussy."

  "'Pussy? What do you mean by this, harsh-speaking woman?" Gaerick asked.

  "It's slang for coward," Lex spat. "It means you're so cowardly you have a pussy between your legs."

  "A pussy?" Gaeric asked.

  "A vagina," Plumeria said bluntly.

  Gaeric gasped. "I am no coward, and I have no vagina between my legs!" Gaeric declared, incredibly offended at the accusation. "I shall do double the amount to atone for my transgression upon Lady Plumeria!" Gaeric declared loudly, as if the louder he bellowed, the more apologetic he was. Gaeric filled up the plastic cup past halfway. He then held it up and drank the quadruple shot, tensing as he gulped down the liquor. A shiver went through Gaeric's body before he withdrew the plastic cup from his lips. He grunted lowly, but quickly turned to Plumeria and bowed his head. "I pray I have atoned for my unintended transgression."

  "You have…" Plumeria said, a fear in her voice. "Gaeric, you ever get really drunk?"

  "No," he grunted.

  "Well, you're about to get very drunk," Plumeria explained.

  Gaeric bowed his head once more. "If it pleases you, Lady Plumeria."

  Lex giggled wickedly. "How about you please me and pour up another one of those shots?"

  Gaeric froze, turning to Lex in total bewilderment. He did as ordered, and after she took the double shot, she led him into the crowd of celebrating people.

  "I have never seen someone make Gaeric squirm like that before," Palina said in disbelief.

  "Something tells me you're gonna see more of her," Plumeria said knowingly.

  Fifteen minutes later Irida's Ninetales came out and lit the torches of Fort Acuity, illuminating the settlement and rudimentary drums started to be played, with an impromptu dance floor being created in the central part of the settlement's main plaza. Part of Ian was rather worried about a sneak attack from Sinclair's forces, but after another round of moonshine made its way around the fort, that concern wasn't brought up again.

  The night turned into clips for Ian's quickly inebriated self. He remembered needing to stay close to Plumeria while regularly reminding his drunk self not to confess that he'd started crushing on her. Being drunk had made him comfortable enough to officially admit to himself he was crushing on his squad leader. Some berries were enjoyed somewhere in the night's insanity, although they did little to stave off the Leppa Berry Moonshine's overwhelming potency. Thankfully Tupp came over and they had what Ian called a "typical drunk best friend" conversation, saying they were bros for life and thanking each other for everything they'd done for each other for who knew how long. Tupp eventually went to the dance floor to "dance with some hot Pearl Clan chicks" and Ian stayed next to Plumeria who served as Irida deterrence.

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  At one point Ingo staggered over, at least as drunk as Ian and Plumeria were. Ian didn't remember much of the conversation, other than there was a lot of hugging and fist bumping between the three of them. At another point, Ian heard excited screaming and saw Lex dancing to the music rather intimately with Gaeric as she waved her tank top in the air.

  Ian felt himself starting to sober up a bit and became more aware of his surroundings. He'd blacked out three times in his life, but he'd never come to the night of, just the morning after. So it was a shock when Ian came to next to Plumeria, both of them sitting on the ground awkwardly, both very inebriated still.

  "Is there more moonshine going around?" Plumeria asked drunkenly.

  Ian threw up his hands, causing him to lose balance and need to steady himself with one of his flailing arms. "No clue…"

  "Damn…" Plumeria said. "Prolly for the best though…" Plumeria continued as she turned to Ian, the faint torchlight hitting her amber eyes in a way that disarmed Ian to the core. Don't tell her, don't tell her, don't tell her… "Plumeria, you're good peeps," Ian said. "Thanks for being my bodyguard today."

  Plumeria smiled. "Anytime Ian," Plumeria said, moving steadily closer to him, opening her arms. Ian felt his heart drumming even faster than the steady rhythm of the celebration's drums and he closed his eyes, trying to keep his mouth shut before he said anything that would ruin his superior-subordinate relationship with her, not even mentioning the very loving relationship he'd cultivated with Mina. Plumeria's arms wrapped around him, and his arms had reciprocated her embrace before he'd realized it.

  "I'll return the favor next time," Ian said as a cold feeling came into his veins. He rested his head on Plumeria's shoulder as it had become rather heavy in the awkward, seated position. Ian tried to get his mind off of how much he did enjoy Plumeria hugging up on him. He could tell there was a bit of discomfort in the seat of his pants, but he forced himself to take a look out at the dance floor, desperate for anything from doing anything he'd regret.

  Ian recognized Tupp's back because of his hair, and his best bro was one of the last people still standing, or well, barely able to stand as he embraced a girl Ian couldn't see from his current angle. A couple seconds later, Tupp and the mysterious girl staggered to the side and Ian caught a glimpse of them profile. Ian smiled, as he saw Tupp was making out intensely with the female in a black shirt. His vision spun, but Ian fixated on the couple until Ian recognized the dark hair and gasped.

  "Plu… Plumeria…" Ian said desperately, tapping her in her side.

  "What?" Plumeria said, clearly annoyed.

  "Tupp and Selene are making out…"

  "What? Really?" Plumeria asked as she withdrew her embrace of Ian and gasped. "Oh shit, they are… You're not gonna do anything right?"

  "I know he doesn't wanna be a rebound, but he'd kill if I intervened here…" Ian said.

  "Ian, just fuck it…" Plumeria said. "And-" Plumeria suddenly made a guttural sound and Ian closed his eyes, thankful Plumeria and him were no longer embracing as the sound of wretching hit his ears. The last moment of clarity hit Ian, and he realized Plumeria's long hair might get in the way and his eyes opened as he held her hair back as she continued wretching.

  "Thanks Ian…" Plumeria croaked a half minute later when she'd calmed down.

  "I got you Plumeria…" Ian said, still clutching her hair gently as sleep began to overtake him. That's enough for one night…

  ***

  When Ian awoke the next morning, his stomach burned with nausea and his head tortured him with its searing pain. And my ears are still ringing from the battle… Ian opened his eyes as he groaned, sore all over from sleeping on the ground. What memories he could picture came flooding back to him, like him and Plumeria embracing Ingo, fist bumping Tupp as they called each other "bros for life." Ian then remembered him desperately reminding himself not to confess to Plumeria he'd started crushing on her, followed by Tupp making out with Selene.

  That jolted him awake, causing his sensitive stomach to lurch uncomfortably. Ian looked around, realizing Plumeria wasn't next to him, but Tupp was laid down, not too far away. Alone.

  "Some night, huh?" Plumeria's voice croaked.

  Ian turned to see Plumeria standing behind him, looking incredibly disheveled. "Yeah…" Ian replied as he turned his body to face her.

  "I almost beat your ass this morning," Plumeria stated.

  "Almost feels like you did," Ian said, rubbing his aching forehead.

  "I woke up and you were holding my hair," Plumeria said.

  "Yeah, about that…" Ian felt a surge of nausea bubble up from his stomach and he stopped mid-sentence to keep it down, barely succeeding.

  "But then I saw the puddle of stuff next to me… So thank you for doing that," Plumeria said.

  "Anytime," Ian said with a dumb smile.

  "Did I do anything stupid last night?" Plumeria asked.

  "From what little I remember? No," Ian answered as their close embrace at the end came to the forefront of his mind. "Did I do anything stupid last night?"

  "No. I don't remember much either though," Plumeria said.

  "Probably for the best," Ian said.

  "Unfortunately one of our guys did do something stupid," Plumeria said.

  "Who? Loverboy here?" Ian said pointing at Tupp.

  "Oh shit they were making out," Plumeria said, shaking her head. "Well, not him. Hyde."

  If Ian wasn't already nauseous, he would've become nauseous. "What'd he do?"

  "Apparently he tried to kiss Irida out of nowhere…"

  "Smooth," Ian quipped.

  "And then when she pulled away and told him to leave her alone, he cussed her out before throwing up everywhere," Plumeria said simply.

  Dammit Hyde. "Is the Pearl Clan pissed?"

  "A little," Plumeria said. "They have him tied to a post next to that Pete guy. They'll let him go when we leave. You see Lex anywhere?"

  "Last night I saw her she had her shirt off and was grinding on Gaeric…" Ian said.

  "So they're probably in the forest somewhere. Irida can't find Gaeric so…"

  "I see…" Ian shrugged, feeling the need to lay back down and closed his eyes as Plumeria's footsteps faded. A minute or so later, he heard Tupp groan painfully, followed by staggered steps. "Yo Ian, gotta ask you something," Tupp said bluntly before tapping Ian to wake him up.

  "Yeah what's up?" Ian asked.

  "Did I make out with Selene last night?" Tupp asked nervously.

  "Yeah bro, you did," Ian said.

  "Shit!" Tupp cursed. "Why didn't you stop me bro?"

  Ian opened his eyes, grimacing at the question. "Dude, you would've beat my ass if I cock-blocked you like that."

  Tupp's tensed shoulders relaxed and he shook his head. "Yeah, you right bro…" Tupp paused for a few moments before opening up. "I really wanted to fuck her last night."

  "Understandable," Ian said, shrugging his shoulders in his laid down position.

  "But I ain't no rebound yo," Tupp said.

  "I get you bro," Ian said. "You should just talk to her at some point… Maybe not now cuz you're mad-"

  "I'm too hungover to be mad yo," Tupp groaned.

  Ian nodded. "Okay… just don't do anything rash. Cuz drunk her was definitely into you, and even though she was doing some stupid shit… I dunno, something good might happen if you leave the door open. Eventually."

  "Really?" Tupp said, genuinely pondering the idea.

  "Maybe…" Ian said. "Just don't go cussing her out and throwing up everywhere like Hyde did last night."

  Tupp chuckled. "Damn. Idiot."

  ***

  The ride back was definitely one of the worst experiences Ian had dealt with since he'd gotten to Alola that didn't involve coming near death, even though he certainly felt he was near death as the group of Team Skull members rode back to Po Town at their sluggish pace. Heads ached, team members would pull to the side of the road to wretch before catching back up with the main group as they made their way north from Fort Acuity.

  Tupp stayed close to Ian, remaining silent as Ian figured what little his best friend could remember from the night replayed through his mind. When the hungover group returned to Po Town, Guzma saw the state of his subordinates and took mercy on them in recognition of their achievement by giving both squads the day off. Ian went to check if Grimsley was in Elk Grove, which thankfully he wasn't. He dropped his wounded Pokemon off at the Pokemon Center with Doc and stayed in his bunk for hours until he felt better. Although most of the Team Skull members were starting to feel better by the late afternoon, there was still an air of sluggishness about them.

  After getting a bite to eat from The Grill and drinking as much water as he could stomach, Ian found Tupp on Backstreet doing push ups at their signature training spot under the tree.

  "How the hell are you able to exercise?" Ian asked.

  Tupp grunted as he kept up his breakneck pace. Even Ian had to pause to watch in confusion how Tupp was able to maintain such consistency. "Damn, I been skipping out on these workouts too much bro."

  Tupp reached the ground and held the position for a bit longer, breathing heavily. "Whenever I start feeling bad about the whole Selene thing, I just start workin' out, yo."

  Ian eyed Tupp's arms, noticing there was a slight but more noticeable definition in his arm muscles than there had been a couple weeks ago. Selene must be bouncing around his head a lot. It also helps we're not on the brink of starvation anymore. "I see…"

  "Hey Ian!" Plumeria's voice barked from down the street as she approached. "Come over here for a sec!"

  Tupp eyed Ian curiously, but Ian shrugged and made his way over to meet Plumeria in the dilapidated cul-de-sac. "What's up?" He asked.

  "I need to nip something in the bud," Plumeria asked. "So we were both really drunk last night…"

  "Yeah," Ian said, a sinking feeling developing in his chest as he figured where the conversation was going.

  "...and you seemed really worried about doing something stupid last night," Plumeria continued.

  "You asked first," Ian said defensively.

  Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Because I was about to drunkenly ask you what I'm about to ask you now."

  "Oh…" Ian said, feeling blood rush to his cheeks.

  "Do you have a little crush on me?" Plumeria asked bluntly.

  Ian froze for a moment as his cheeks became scalding hot for a moment before he opened his mouth. "Well I-"

  Plumeria shook her head with a knowing smile. "Just from the reaction alone, I can guess the answer."

  Ian grimaced. "I… I don't know where it came from, I really like Mina-"

  Plumeria put her on Ian's shoulder and stared into his eyes. "It's okay, these things happen when guys and girls go through near-death experiences together, especially as many as we've had," Plumeria explained. "I'm sure whatever it is will leave like the breeze, as quickly as it came."

  Ian felt a wave of relief come over him as his shoulders relaxed. "Thanks… and sorry, I didn't intend to put you in an awkward position at all-"

  Plumeria tittered dismissively. "It's okay Ian. As funny as it is seeing you squirm like this, I don't like you all freaked out either." Plumeria exhaled deeply and fixated her amber eyes on his. "We can acknowledge you're feeling this way at the moment, understand nothing's gonna come of this, and sweep it under the rug. Deal?"

  Ian nodded. "Deal."

  Plumeria nodded, taking her hand off his shoulder and turning to walk away.

  "And Plumeria…" Ian began, causing his squad leader to stop. "...thanks for being cool about this whole thing."

  "Of course," Plumeria said, turning and taking a step before pausing once more. "Oh, and I did mention to Guzma it's probably best if you stay back in Po Town when our squad is deployed. I didn't tell him specifically why cuz that would get him suspicious, but I just said the Pearl Clan recommended it since they're reliant on you for food too."

  Ian nodded.

  "Oh, and apparently Lex and Gaeric showed back up and Gaeric could barely walk," Plumeria said with a giggle in her voice.

  "So we're off the hook for the marriage stuff?" Ian asked.

  "Nothing's certain, but I'm… optimistic," Plumeria said.

  ***

  The next morning Ian was feeling much better, and after a quick ride around the crop fields, Ian settled down in Elk Grove as he apprehensively waited for Grimsley to arrive. When the kimono clad former Elite Four member did appear, Ian eyed him suspiciously.

  "Someone's not too happy to see me," Grimsley observed.

  Ian's scowl didn't change. "I got some weird news a couple days back."

  "Involving me?" Grimsley asked.

  "The Driftwood Guild," Ian answered curtly.

  "So kind of involving me, especially from your perspective," Grimsley said. "What was it?"

  "Apparently a bounty has been put on me by them. A hundred thousand Pokedollars," Ian said.

  Grimsley's eyebrows rose. "Really now? That being true would defeat the purpose of me being here, but you're clearly upset about it, so I won't doubt its veracity… Who told you about this bounty on you, Ian?"

  "One of Sinclair's guys I beat. A trainer named Pete," Ian explained.

  "You beat Pete?" Grimsley asked. "In a full 6 vs. 6?"

  Ian shook his head. "It was really a 3 vs. 3, but I did beat him."

  "3 vs. 3 is still impressive," Grimsley said. "I've known about him since before this madness started. I heard he got the eight badges of Johto and entered the Silver Conference. I will say I'm glad my rather new student beat someone so… distinguished."

  Ian nodded. "Thanks. He kept having his Magmortar use the same moves over and over."

  Grimsley's grin turned proud. "I bet my student didn't make that mistake."

  "I didn't," Ian said.

  "Good," Grimsley said. "But he's an enemy, why do you take his word at face value when there are some blaring contradictions with the info?"

  "Blaring contradictions?" Ian asked.

  Grimsley rolled his eyes. "The marker Driftwood paid off for me was over five times the amount your little bounty is."

  Ian froze up, his mind processing the implications. Either Pete's lying, which he likely is, or Grimsley's lying. I trust him, but he's still closely allied with Driftwood who have done some shady shit.

  Grimsley sighed. "But seeing the struggle in your eyes, you're not going to be one hundred percent sure whose side I'm on until this whole thing's over. I figured it would have to happen at some point so we might as well do it now. I think it's time we take a break from these training sessions."

  Ian grimaced, but the implications immediately put his mind at ease. "That might be for the best… Just for now though. Just until we make peace."

  Grimsley nodded, approaching Ian emotionlessly as he held his hand out. Ian shook it, giving a respectful nod. "Grimsley, thanks for everything you've done for me and Tupp."

  Grimsley smiled. "In case I don't see you for a while, I'm glad I got to teach you Ian." Grimsley paused before opening his mouth once more. "And tell Tupp I'm proud of the progress he's made."

  Ian nodded, his heart heavy as he realized this could be the last time he saw his mentor for a long time. Possibly ever. Grimsley nodded to Ian before turning around and strutting off. A spark of inspiration hit Ian and he opened his mouth. "Grimsley, is there a way to coach up a Pokemon to have a unique move?"

  Grimsley chuckled lightly. "Unique move? A 'variant technique' you mean?"

  "Uh, I guess…" Ian paused. "Pete's Magmortar kept using this move called 'Fire Cannon' which I'd never heard of before."

  "Fire Cannon?" Grimsley asked. "News to me too. What was it like?"

  "It was like a condensed ball of Fire Type Energy Magmortar would channel in its arm-things…" Ian said.

  "Ah, of course it's something like that. You want to know if you can re-create something like that?" Grimsley asked.

  "Yeah…"

  Grimsley rolled his eyes. "It's not easy kid," Grimsley began. "Remember, millions of years of learning and move usage has brought all Pokemon species where they are today. Just because we're smarter than most Pokemon doesn't mean we can just re-define their biology with moves just because we think they can do the move."

  Ian nodded. "Makes sense. Are there any limitations or instances where it might be possible to make a 'variant technique?'"

  Grimsley shrugged. "It's gotta be something that matches the Pokemon's biology, something that it should have but doesn't have. That's even if it's possible for that Pokemon to learn the 'variant technique' in the first place. Many Pokemon never are able to even begin the process. Sorry to burst your bubble if you wanted to have you whole team rocking variant techniques in the near future."

  Ian shook his head. "I didn't want my whole team, I was really hoping for one specific Pokemon."

  Grimsley smirked, a skeptical look in his eyes. "Which one?"

  "I was thinking about Tyrunt, and how there's no Rock Type move it can use with its jaws," Ian said. "It seems like it's something it would have developed by now."

  "Hmmmm…" Grimsley said curiously. "That's not a bad idea actually. It would proc your Tyrunt's Strong Jaw ability, and with the Same Type Attack Boost it would be devastating to enemies, and maybe devastating to itself as well…"

  "Any tips on where to start?" Ian asked.

  Grimsley shrugged. "There's only one time I ended up developing a variant technique with my old team, and it was with my Krookodile. I kept having it use Crunch before and after it used Earthquake, Sand Tomb, or Dig, and I think at some point the wires got crossed in his brain and he channeled Ground Type Energy but in a way of using Crunch. I called it 'Sandmaw' and I didn't really use it outside of training sessions and practice battles with Alder and the other Elite Four members," Grimsley explained. "If Tyrunt can develop a variant technique, that's likely where it'll first show itself."

  Ian bowed his respectfully. "Thank you Grimsley… I hate that it's come to this."

  Grimsley snickered. "Don't trip too hard about it Ian. It might motivate you guys to finish the war sooner. And one more thing… Sawsbuck's going to be a perfect matchup if you ever end up facing Sinclair in the field."

  "Really? I assume he's got a lot of Water Type Pokemon?"

  "That too," Grimsley said. "But his ace is an Alpha Barbaracle with a bad attitude. Luckily it doesn't mega-evolve."

  "Barbarcle? Mega-evolve?" Ian asked in surprise.

  "Yeah. They didn't do that in your homeworld?" Grimsley asked.

  That definitely wasn't in X and Y. "I guess not…"

  Grimsley chuckled once more. "Well don't tell anyone I told you that. But good luck kid, I'll be rooting for you."

  Ian watched in silence as Grimsley headed back to the road. Once Grimsley hopped on his bike and was out of sight, Ian grabbed his Ultra Ball containing his Alpha Tyrunt and brought it up to his face. "Tyrunt, we got a lot of work to do."